Officials say to Check Smoke Alarms During Fire Prevention Week

(KNSI) – This is National Fire Prevention Week, and firefighters say there is one simple thing people can do that could save their life.

“This is the best time to check your smoke alarms. The number one life saver is an active working smoke alarm in your house. So go ahead and get that tested if it’s not working, change batteries, or replace the smoke alarm,” said St. Cloud Assistant Fire Marshal Greg Adamietz.

Officials say smoke alarms need to be changed every ten years.

Fire Chief Matt Love says when your smoke detectors start beeping, you need to check on it. “Most times you think it means your battery is low. And a lot of times that’s the case. And when people replace their battery, and it keeps beeping, they wonder what the heck is going on. And a lot of folks don’t realize the detector itself expires as well.”

He says carbon monoxide detectors should also be checked and replaced every ten years. The fire department says having a working CO detector is vital as we head into the colder months.

This year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week is Fire Won’t Wait: Plan Your Escape. Chief Love says creating a family escape plan to get out of the house and another plan for where everyone should meet so firefighters know if everyone is out and safe.

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